Protect Your Pets During Fireworks Displays

Protect Your Pets During Fireworks Displays

While the legal use of fireworks may be enjoyable for people, it can be terrifying to pets. Pets can become highly distressed by the noise, lights and commotion of Independence Day celebrations. With fireworks during the Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom in downtown Mesa on July 4 and other Fourth of July fireworks shows around the east valley, Mesa Animal Control reminds pet owners to follow these tips:

•Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags or have a microchip with current information so an owner can be contacted if the animal escapes. This includes current licenses for dogs.

•Do not take your pets with you to any outdoor activity where there will be fireworks.

•Keep pets inside your home with the television or radio on to help cover noise from fireworks. Close the blinds so bright flashing lights do not alarm your pets. Crate your pets if they are used to being in a crate.

•Never leave your pets inside a vehicle; they could suffer serious health effects, including death, within a few short minutes due to the hot temperatures inside the car. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet or vehicle to be stolen.

•If your pet goes missing, contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control at (602) 506-7387 for shelter locations and hours, or go online to maricopa.gov/162/Lost-Found-Pet.

If you find a lost pet, please call Mesa Animal Control at 480-644-2268 to request a pickup. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lost-pet pickups are available through 11:30 a.m.

Arizona allows the legal use of fireworks from June 24 through July 6 on private property, with the property owner's permission. But remember, not all fireworks are legal. Examples of illegal fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets and aerials. To learn more about the legal and safe use of fireworks, please visit mesaaz.gov/fireworks. Residents can report fireworks complaints to Mesa Police at 480-644-2211 or [email protected].